Gregory Duane Jacobson

Gregory Duane Jacobson, dedicated husband and father of three, died peacefully on January 20, 2023 in his home in Coeur d’Alene, ID surrounded by family. He was only 73 years old and had recently been diagnosed with Lung Cancer. The family was deeply saddened by his passing and very shocked by his diagnosis. Greg was born on November 3, 1949. Greg is survived and missed by his loving wife, Kathy of nearly 53 years; and his children Desiree Mills, Jamie Grant and Teri Jacobson. Forever cherished and remembered by his nine grandchildren, Terra Shishido, Kayla Scott, Stephanie (Nikki) Kendrick, Jacob Decker, Jonathan Decker, Jay Decker, Justin Decker, Addison Browning, Nicole Browning and 12 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his three sisters and brother in laws Karen and Ron Zustiak, Peggy and Daryl Greenhalgh, and Vickie and John McCreless. Greg was predeceased by his father Wilbert (Web), his mother Ruth, sister and brother in law Janet and Sonny Kostek, his son in laws Jack Decker and Jim Mills. After graduating from High School, Greg joined the Army in 1967. Upon completing basic training he was stationed in Savannah Georgia where he completed his advanced infantry in both Cobra and Huey helicopter mechanics and maintenance. He was then sent to Viet Nam and assigned to the first Calvary Division where he was promoted to a Sargent E5 during his tour of overseas duty. When he arrived home in 1969 he and Kathy met and married in January of 1970. Greg finished his time in the army and was discharged honorably in August of 1970. Greg worked at Boeing, went to college and was hired by the Washington State Ferry system in 1977 where he retired after 30 years of service. He had increasing responsibilities became Boson and then Quartermaster responsible to safely navigate the ship on the Edmonds to Kingston run. He often stated that his ‘office’ had the best view. He retired in 2005 and then began his second career in 2008 after the birth of his eighth grandchild Addison. He proudly proclaimed he was a ‘nanny’ and this was his favorite job. He took an active role in the lives of all his grandchildren. He and Kathy spent several years taking the grandchildren camping at their property in Gold Bar, Washington. Showing them how to build campfires, taking them swimming, berry picking and relaxing in the hammocks were among the things he loved to do. Greg taught many family members how to safely shoot firearms as this was a passion of his along with hunting and fishing. Greg also loved cars. He owned many fast and impressive cars as a young man, and you would often find him looking online at cars or watching one of several car shows he enjoyed. He was also a fan of Westerns and would watch them on television. Family and friends were very important to Greg. He was a very kind and generous person willing to do anything to help the people he loved. He was thoughtful and if you said you wanted or needed anything it showed up as a gift that he picked up for you. He loved his home and especially his garage which he kept well organized and nearly spotless. Greg loved having company stop by for a cup of coffee and to visit. Watching all his grandchildren play was a great joy of his and brought him much happiness.